We all could use an elevator speech. And if you ever plan to look for a job, or network, then you need an elevator speech. An elevator speech is a short persuasive speech to tell others about you, and to pique their interest in you. You should have your elevator speech polished and ready when the opportunity presents.
Today I was chatting with Laura, a senior year nursing student who is graduating in two weeks and hopes to work in our hospital. We were standing in the hall on the third floor outside the elevators when who should step off the elevator but my good friend and Versant Residency Director, Ashley.
Me to Ashley: "Hi, Ashley! Hey, let me introduce you to Laura. Laura has just submitted her Versant application."
Me to Laura: "Laura, meet Ashley! She's our Versant Residency Director. You want to remember her name! LOL It's Ashley"
Laura extends hand: "Hi"
Missed Opportunity
Laura missed a golden opportunity to make a lasting impression. Here she was, face-to-face with the person who is going to put her application in either the REJECT pile or the KEEP pile....and she missed the moment to make herself memorable.
What could Laura have done differently?
"Hi, Ashley. I'm so glad to meet you. I've heard such nice things about you from my Clinical Instructors. I've applied to your Versant program, and I want you to know I am passionate about Pediatrics. I want to work here because of the way your Pediatrics Program is growing. My son's pediatrician is Dr. Pal, and he practices here. He's told me several times how he prefers the nursing practice here at Happy Hospital.
My name is Laura Lee. I hope you'll take a second look at my application. Ashley, would it be OK if I call you later in the week to touch base?"
An Elevator Speech Should:
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Be short. Sixty seconds tops, thirty is better. Succinct but impactful.
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Be memorable (personal example helps).
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Be energetic and enthusiastic
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Be goal-oriented (networking, job seeking).
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Tell them what you're passionate about.
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End with a Call to Action if appropriate for the situation.
An elevator speech can be modified for use at a Meet and Greet, any networking function, a conference, or a job fair.
Here's an example of a very short job fair elevator speech. The goal here is to engage the recruiter in conversation and to spark their interest.
"I'm Laura Lee, nice to meet you. I'm a newly graduated nurse. I've been in school forever, and can't wait to start my nursing career. I am passionate about Pediatric nursing. Can you tell me more about what your hospital is looking for?"
Practice, Practice
The more you practice, the better you will become. You have to practice out loud, and not just in your head. Without practice, you will tend to ramble and repeat yourself.
Again today, I talked with another 4th-semester student who started out very focused.
"Hi, I love it here, it feels like family. I want to work in L&D. I've loved it ever since I cared for my sister when she had a long recovery following a C-section...."
She continued at length after that, but I confess I soon tuned her out for two reasons.
One, she is a soft-talker and her voice ebbed and flowed. We were in a noisy crowd of people and it became too hard to keep asking "What?, sorry?" Keep a strong, even pitch.
Two, I sensed there was no structure, and I could hear enough to realize she was circling round and round and repeating herself effusively.
Have a beginning. Have an ending.
Try using an elevator speech the next time someone asks "What do you do?" and gauge their reaction. Build on their response and refine your speech. Use it with the next person, and repeat.
Practice does make perfect!
Delivery
Delivery is everything. You need to be poised and confident.
Don't be rushed, too intense, or overly effusive. Practice so that you sound casual and conversational.
Make eye contact and offer a firm handshake along with a genuine, warm smile.
Good luck! Having an elevator speech ready will help you be confident and ready when the opportunity presents.
